ridecamp@endurance.net: [endurance] Ariats or Outdoor Cross-Trainers??

[endurance] Ariats or Outdoor Cross-Trainers??

Tina Hicks (hickst@puzzler.nichols.com)
Mon, 24 Jun 1996 13:07:20 -0500

Well, my Miller's Sportifics finally have *had it* - after only 5 years of
abuse and no care (hey - I think plastic tack that only requires dunking in
a bucket for cleaning is the best thing since sliced bread :->), they have
suffered a major blow out across the top of the foot.

So, I am wavering between the Freestyle Ariat or one of the outdoor
cross-training shoes that look like a cross between a hiking boot and a
running shoe. I am working on being able to do more footwork on the trail
and wonder if the Ariats will provide the traction needed for jogging down
a rocky hill (for example). The outdoor shoes I have looked at all have a
pretty serious looking tread with not quite a "real" heel, but enough of a
change from ball to heel that with wide stirrups I think I would feel safe
riding in them (sorry, that's my riding upbringing coming out - "hafta have
a heel" :-.). They are lightweight enough in the store however I don't know
how they feel in the stirrup.....

Comments? Opinions? Real-life experiences? Does anyone out there use an
outdoor cross-training shoe like I'm talking about?

Tina and the crew
hickst@nichols.com
Huntsville, AL